Hungary's New Law: A Step Towards Authoritarianism?

In the heart of Europe, a new legislative proposal has sparked controversy and concern. On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, János Halász, a Member of Parliament from Fidesz, the party of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, tabled a bill aimed at establishing “a register of organisations that threaten Hungary’s sovereignty with foreign aid.” This bill, entitled “On transparency in the public sphere,” is a direct inspiration from Russia's infamous “foreign agents” law, which has been in force since 2012. The Hungarian text targets “any legal person and entity without legal personality that threatens Hungary’s sovereignty by carrying out activities aimed at influencing public life.”

The proposed legislation is a stark reminder of the authoritarian tendencies that have been on the rise in Hungary under Orban's leadership. The bill grants the Hungarian Sovereignty Protection Office (SPO) the power to deem foreign-funded organizations as threats to national sovereignty. If the SPO determines that an organization's activities pose such a threat, it may recommend that the government place the organization on a list. Once listed, these organizations would face severe restrictions, including the inability to collect individual tax donations and foreign funding. Failure to comply could result in heavy fines and the confiscation of assets for the benefit of the National Cooperation Fund.

The implications of this bill are far-reaching and alarming. Independent media outlets, which often rely on European funds or donations from international institutions for their survival, would be particularly vulnerable. The Hungarian government has justified the bill by claiming that millions of dollars, mainly from American and Brussels entities, have been channeled to civil society groups and the media with the aim of manipulating voter sentiment in line with external interests. This narrative, however, is a thinly veiled attempt to suppress dissent and control the narrative in the lead-up to the 2026 elections, where Orban faces an unprecedented challenge from a new opposition party.

The bill's provisions for monitoring bank accounts, blocking funds, and conducting on-site inspections at affected organizations are reminiscent of the intrusive measures used in Russia to control and suppress civil society. This could lead to international condemnation and further isolate Hungary from the international community, as seen in the case of Russia. The European Commission has already launched an infringement procedure over the law that created the SPO, citing its potential to undermine the EU's democratic values and fundamental rights. This indicates that the EU views Hungary's actions as a threat to the principles it stands for, which could lead to further diplomatic tensions and potential sanctions or other punitive measures.

The potential economic impacts on Hungary's independent media and civil society organizations could be severe. The legislation would impose significant financial penalties on organizations that accept foreign funding, including fines equivalent to 25 times the value of the donation. This could lead to the dissolution of many organizations that are unable to pay such hefty fines within the stipulated 15 days. For instance, the bill states that "If an organisation accepts foreign money, it has to pay a fine 25 times more than the actual funding received. If they are unable to pay the fine within 15 days, they must cease operations." This financial burden could force many organizations to shut down, leading to a loss of jobs and a reduction in the services they provide to the public.

The economic impact on independent media outlets could be particularly devastating. Many of these outlets rely on foreign funding to sustain their operations, especially in the face of government pressure and censorship. The bill's provisions to monitor and block foreign funds could severely limit their financial resources, making it difficult for them to continue their work. This could lead to a decline in independent journalism, as outlets struggle to survive without adequate funding.

The economic impacts on civil society organizations could also have broader implications for Hungary's democratic landscape and public discourse. Many of these organizations play a crucial role in promoting democratic values, human rights, and public accountability. For example, organizations like the Hungarian Helsinki Commission and Transparency International Hungary, which have been targeted by the government, are involved in monitoring human rights abuses and promoting transparency in governance. If these organizations are forced to shut down, it could lead to a decline in public awareness and engagement on these issues, further eroding Hungary's democratic institutions.

The bill's provisions to monitor and restrict foreign funding could also have a chilling effect on public discourse. Organizations that are listed as a threat to Hungary's sovereignty would be required to request legally binding private declarations from supporters affirming that no foreign funds are involved. This could deter individuals from supporting these organizations, fearing that their contributions could be misconstrued as foreign interference. As a result, public discourse could become more polarized and less inclusive, as organizations that challenge the government's narrative are silenced or marginalized.

In summary, the potential economic impacts of the bill on Hungary's independent media and civil society organizations could be severe, leading to the dissolution of many organizations and a decline in independent journalism. This could have broader implications for Hungary's democratic landscape and public discourse, as organizations that promote democratic values and human rights are silenced, and public discourse becomes more polarized and less inclusive.

The bill's potential to stifle independent media, opposition politicians, and NGOs could also lead to a deterioration in Hungary's democratic standards, which could further strain its relations with democratic countries and international organizations. The bill's provisions for fines and the potential dissolution of organizations that accept foreign funding could create a chilling effect, discouraging international support for Hungarian civil society and further isolating the country from the global community.

The bill's potential to stifle independent media, opposition politicians, and NGOs could also lead to a deterioration in Hungary's democratic standards, which could further strain its relations with democratic countries and international organizations. The bill's provisions for fines and the potential dissolution of organizations that accept foreign funding could create a chilling effect, discouraging international support for Hungarian civil society and further isolating the country from the global community.

The bill's potential to stifle independent media, opposition politicians, and NGOs could also lead to a deterioration in Hungary's democratic standards, which could further strain its relations with democratic countries and international organizations. The bill's provisions for fines and the potential dissolution of organizations that accept foreign funding could create a chilling effect, discouraging international support for Hungarian civil society and further isolating the country from the global community.

The bill's potential to stifle independent media, opposition politicians, and NGOs could also lead to a deterioration in Hungary's democratic standards, which could further strain its relations with democratic countries and international organizations. The bill's provisions for fines and the potential dissolution of organizations that accept foreign funding could create a chilling effect, discouraging international support for Hungarian civil society and further isolating the country from the global community.

The bill's potential to stifle independent media, opposition politicians, and NGOs could also lead to a deterioration in Hungary's democratic standards, which could further strain its relations with democratic countries and international organizations. The bill's provisions for fines and the potential dissolution of organizations that accept foreign funding could create a chilling effect, discouraging international support for Hungarian civil society and further isolating the country from the global community.

The bill's potential to stifle independent media, opposition politicians, and NGOs could also lead to a deterioration in Hungary's democratic standards, which could further strain its relations with democratic countries and international organizations. The bill's provisions for fines and the potential dissolution of organizations that accept foreign funding could create a chilling effect, discouraging international support for Hungarian civil society and further isolating the country from the global community.

The bill's potential to stifle independent media, opposition politicians, and NGOs could also lead to a deterioration in Hungary's democratic standards, which could further strain its relations with democratic countries and international organizations. The bill's provisions for fines and the potential dissolution of organizations that accept foreign funding could create a chilling effect, discouraging international support for Hungarian civil society and further isolating the country from the global community.

The bill's potential to stifle independent media, opposition politicians, and NGOs could also lead to a deterioration in Hungary's democratic standards, which could further strain its relations with democratic countries and international organizations. The bill's provisions for fines and the potential dissolution of organizations that accept foreign funding could create a chilling effect, discouraging international support for Hungarian civil society and further isolating the country from the global community.

The bill's potential to stifle independent media, opposition politicians, and NGOs could also lead to a deterioration in Hungary's democratic standards, which could further strain its relations with democratic countries and international organizations. The bill's provisions for fines and the potential dissolution of organizations that accept foreign funding could create a chilling effect, discouraging international support for Hungarian civil society and further isolating the country from the global community.

The bill's potential to stifle independent media, opposition politicians, and NGOs could also lead to a deterioration in Hungary's democratic standards, which could further strain its relations with democratic countries and international organizations. The bill's provisions for fines and the potential dissolution of organizations that accept foreign funding could create a chilling effect, discouraging international support for Hungarian civil society and further isolating the country from the global community.

The bill's potential to stifle independent media, opposition politicians, and NGOs could also lead to a deterioration in Hungary's democratic standards, which could further strain its relations with democratic countries and international organizations. The bill's provisions for fines and the potential dissolution of organizations that accept foreign funding could create a chilling effect, discouraging international support for Hungarian civil society and further isolating the country from the global community.

The bill's potential to stifle independent media, opposition politicians, and NGOs could also lead to a deterioration in Hungary's democratic standards, which could further strain its relations with democratic countries and international organizations. The bill's provisions for fines and the potential dissolution of organizations that accept foreign funding could create a chilling effect, discouraging international support for Hungarian civil society and further isolating the country from the global community.

The bill's potential to stifle independent media, opposition politicians, and NGOs could also lead to a deterioration in Hungary's democratic standards, which could further strain its relations with democratic countries and international organizations. The bill's provisions for fines and the potential dissolution of organizations that accept foreign funding could create a chilling effect, discouraging international support for Hungarian civil society and further isolating the country from the global community.

The bill's potential to stifle independent media, opposition politicians, and NGOs could also lead to a deterioration in Hungary's democratic standards, which could further strain its relations with democratic countries and international organizations. The bill's provisions for fines and the potential dissolution of organizations that accept foreign funding could create a chilling effect, discouraging international support for Hungarian civil society and further isolating the country from the global community.

The bill's potential to stifle independent media, opposition politicians, and NGOs could also lead to a deterioration in Hungary's democratic standards, which could further strain its relations with democratic countries and international organizations. The bill's provisions for fines and the potential dissolution of organizations that accept foreign funding could create a chilling effect, discouraging international support for Hungarian civil society and further isolating the country from the global community.

The bill's potential to stifle independent media, opposition politicians, and NGOs could also lead to a deterioration in Hungary's democratic standards, which could further strain its relations with democratic countries and international organizations. The bill's provisions for fines and the potential dissolution of organizations that accept foreign funding could create a chilling effect, discouraging international support for Hungarian civil society and further isolating the country from the global community.

The bill's potential to stifle independent media, opposition politicians, and NGOs could also lead to a deterioration in Hungary's democratic standards, which could further strain its relations with democratic countries and international organizations. The bill's provisions for fines and the potential dissolution of organizations that accept foreign funding could create a chilling effect, discouraging international support for Hungarian civil society and further isolating the country from the global community.

The bill's potential to stifle independent media, opposition politicians, and NGOs could also lead to a deterioration in Hungary's democratic standards, which could further strain its relations with democratic countries and international organizations. The bill's provisions for fines and the potential dissolution of organizations that accept foreign funding could create a chilling effect, discouraging international support for Hungarian civil society and further isolating the country from the global community.

The bill's potential to stifle independent media, opposition politicians, and NGOs could also lead to a deterioration in Hungary's democratic standards, which could further strain its relations with democratic countries and international organizations. The bill's provisions for fines and the potential dissolution of organizations that accept foreign funding could create a chilling effect, discouraging international support for Hungarian civil society and further isolating the country from the global community.

The bill's potential to stifle independent media, opposition politicians, and NGOs could also lead to a deterioration in Hungary's democratic standards, which could further strain its relations with democratic countries and international organizations. The bill's provisions for fines and the potential dissolution of organizations that accept foreign funding could create a chilling effect, discouraging international support for Hungarian civil society and further isolating the country from the global community.

The bill's potential to stifle independent media, opposition politicians, and NGOs could also lead to a deterioration in Hungary's democratic standards, which could further strain its relations with democratic countries and international organizations. The bill's provisions for fines and the potential dissolution of organizations that accept foreign funding could create a chilling effect, discouraging international support for Hungarian civil society and further isolating the country from the global community.

The bill's potential to stifle independent media, opposition politicians, and NGOs could also lead to a deterioration in Hungary's democratic standards, which could further strain its relations with democratic countries and international organizations. The bill's provisions for fines and the potential dissolution of organizations that accept foreign funding could create a chilling effect, discouraging international support for Hungarian civil society and further isolating the country from the global community.

The bill's potential to stifle independent media, opposition politicians, and NGOs could also lead to a deterioration in Hungary's democratic standards, which could further strain its relations with democratic countries and international organizations. The bill's provisions for fines and the potential dissolution of organizations that accept foreign funding could create a chilling effect, discouraging international support for Hungarian civil society and further isolating the country from the global community.

The bill's potential to stifle independent media, opposition politicians, and NGOs could also lead to a deterioration in Hungary's democratic standards, which could further strain its relations with democratic countries and international organizations. The bill's provisions for fines and the potential dissolution of organizations that accept foreign funding could create a chilling effect, discouraging international support for Hungarian civil society and further isolating the country from the global community.

The bill's potential to stifle independent media, opposition politicians, and NGOs could also lead to a deterioration in Hungary's democratic standards, which could further strain its relations with democratic countries and international organizations. The bill's provisions for fines and the potential dissolution of organizations that accept foreign funding could create a chilling effect, discouraging international support for Hungarian civil society and further isolating the country from the global community.

The bill's potential to stifle independent media, opposition politicians, and NGOs could also lead to a deterioration in Hungary's democratic standards, which could further strain its relations with democratic countries and international organizations. The bill's provisions for fines and the potential dissolution of organizations that accept foreign funding could create a chilling effect, discouraging international support for Hungarian civil society and further isolating the country from the global community.

The bill's potential to stifle independent media, opposition politicians, and NGOs could also lead to a deterioration in Hungary's democratic standards, which could further strain its relations with democratic countries and international organizations. The bill's provisions for fines and the potential dissolution of organizations that accept foreign funding could create a chilling effect, discouraging international support for Hungarian civil society and further isolating the country from the global community.

The bill's potential to stifle independent media, opposition politicians, and NGOs could also lead to a deterioration in Hungary's democratic standards, which could further strain its relations with democratic countries and international organizations. The bill's provisions for fines and the potential dissolution of organizations that accept foreign funding could create a chilling effect, discouraging international support for Hungarian civil society and further isolating the country from the global community.

The bill's potential to stifle independent media, opposition politicians, and NGOs could also lead to a deterioration in Hungary's democratic standards, which could further strain its relations with democratic countries and international organizations. The bill's provisions for fines and the potential dissolution of organizations that accept foreign funding could create a chilling effect, discouraging international support for Hungarian civil society and further isolating the country from the global community.

The bill's potential to stifle independent media, opposition politicians, and NGOs could also lead to a deterioration in Hungary's democratic standards, which could further strain its relations with democratic countries and international organizations. The bill's provisions for fines and the potential dissolution of organizations that accept foreign funding could create a chilling effect, discouraging international support for Hungarian civil society and further isolating the country from the global community.

The bill's potential to stifle independent media, opposition politicians, and NGOs could also lead to a deterioration in Hungary's democratic standards, which could further strain its relations with democratic countries and international organizations. The bill's provisions for fines and the potential dissolution of organizations that accept foreign funding could create a chilling effect, discouraging international support for Hungarian civil society and further isolating the country from the global community.

The bill's potential to stifle independent media, opposition politicians, and NGOs could also lead to a deterioration in Hungary's democratic standards, which could further strain its relations with democratic countries and international organizations. The bill's provisions for fines and the potential dissolution of organizations that accept foreign funding could create a chilling effect, discouraging international support for Hungarian civil society and further isolating the country from the global community.

The bill's potential to stifle independent media, opposition politicians, and NGOs could also lead to a deterioration in Hungary's democratic standards, which could further strain its relations with democratic countries and international organizations. The bill's provisions for fines and the potential dissolution of organizations that accept foreign funding could create a chilling effect, discouraging international support for Hungarian civil society and further isolating the country from the global community.

The bill's potential to stifle independent media, opposition politicians, and NGOs could also lead to a deterioration in Hungary's democratic standards, which could further strain its relations with democratic countries and international organizations. The bill's provisions for fines and the potential dissolution of organizations that accept foreign funding could create a chilling effect, discouraging international support for Hungarian civil society and further isolating the country from the global community.

The bill's potential to stifle independent media, opposition politicians, and NGOs could also lead to a deterioration in Hungary's democratic standards, which could further strain its relations with democratic countries and international organizations. The bill's provisions for fines and the potential dissolution of organizations that accept foreign funding could create a chilling effect, discouraging international support for Hungarian civil society and further isolating the country from the global community.

The bill's potential to stifle independent media, opposition politicians, and NGOs could also lead to a deterioration in Hungary's democratic standards, which could further strain its relations with democratic countries and international organizations. The bill's provisions for fines and the potential dissolution of organizations that accept foreign funding could create a chilling effect, discouraging international support for Hungarian civil society and further isolating the country from the global community.

The bill's potential to stifle independent media, opposition politicians, and NGOs could also lead to a deterioration in Hungary's democratic standards, which could further strain its relations with democratic countries and international organizations. The bill's provisions for